(with advice from real hiring managers who read them)

Applying for a dental receptionist position is easy when you use the Princess Dental Staffing hiring platform. Sometimes you want to take that extra step to prove you’re worthy of the job. In cases like those, you may want to include a cover letter with your application. But what should you include?

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What is a Dental Receptionist

A dental receptionist is a team player and dental advocate. They must have high energy, be hard-working, and do their best to put a smile on people’s faces. Dental receptionists typically work at the front desk, and patients see them first. Therefore, for the receptionist, patients come first!

Being able to multitask is a must for dental receptionists. You may be answering the phone, checking in patients, booking appointments, and helping with patient billing (all at the same time!)

Top receptionists have proficiency in software like Dentrix, Open Dental, Eaglesoft, Softdent, or Carestream. They work with the dentist, hygienists, assistants, and other dental staff to ensure a pleasant dental experience for patients.

Related: Dental Front Desk Receptionist Job Description

Anatomy of a Cover Letter

As a dental professional, include the following sections in your cover letter.

Your Contact Information

This includes your name, address, city, state, and zip code 

Their Contact Information

This includes the hiring manager’s name, title, company name, address, city, state, and zip code.

Salutation

There are lots of ways to provide a salutation on your cover letter. Resume Genius offers 15 examples, along with a few tips to consider. A classic is to start with “Dear” followed by Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. and the hiring manager’s last name. 

Intro Paragraph

The intro paragraph is your opportunity to capture the hiring manager’s attention. Make sure to mention the job you’re applying for!

Body

The body of your cover letter could be a couple of paragraphs speaking about your experience, education, skills, certifications, and other training

Closing

Here you can summarize why you’re the perfect candidate for the position. Emphasize how you’ll contribute to the dental practice and demonstrate your enthusiasm.

Related: 7 Pro Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Six Steps to Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you have an overview of what’s included in the cover letter, let’s talk specifics. These suggestions come straight from the experts sitting behind the counter, reading your cover letter. Thanks to Dr. Vuppala of Vuppala Dental Corporation, Kyla Hollen of Southwest Kids Dentistry, and Sara Bently of Dynamites Smiles Dentistry for sharing this information.

Step 1 Experience

Every dental office wants to know what kind of experience you have. This is one of the most important aspects of your dental receptionist cover letter and should be covered first. Briefly review the types of experience you have and how they will relate to the new position you’re looking to fill. Explain why your experience gives the office an advantage when hiring you. 

Fast Tip: As you write your cover letter, think about what you’re writing from the hiring manager’s perspective.

Related: Top Dental Receptionist Tips

Step 2 Knowledge

What kind of knowledge do you bring to the table? Be sure to include any special training or certifications you hold. If you’re also a dental assistant, ensure you include that information. Paint a picture that shows the full colors of what you bring to the position and help the office manager understand what they’re gaining when they hire you.

Related: Resume Objectives for Dental Receptionist

Step 3 Why you chose dental reception as a career

This can be a more personal touch and can demonstrate your commitment to the field of dentistry. Dental offices don’t want someone who’s going to be a fly-by-night receptionist. They want someone who’s dedicated and plans to make a career in the dental field. Sharing why you chose dentistry can help demonstrate your passion for reception as well as working the dental front desk.

Related: Dental Receptionist Front Desk Salary Report

Step 4 A little bit about loyalty

Loyalty and respect are super important for most offices. What makes you loyal to a dentist? What makes you want to stay at a job, work hard, and be a contributing team member? Here’s an opportunity to get personal and help the hiring manager see how you’re going to fit into the bigger picture of the office staff.

Related: Dental Receptionist Thank You Letter (after interview)

Step 5 Why you left your last job

Speaking of loyalty…if you have a history of leaving jobs, you’ll want to explain why. Hiring managers will look for gaps in your job history or periods of short employment. These warning signs can put your resume into the “no” pile.

Related: How to get your resume into the YES pile

Step 6 How you’re a team player

Every office wants a team player. Make sure to highlight some aspects of how you’re that team player. Working in a dental office can be like working with a family. We mentioned before the importance of loyalty and respect. Being a team player is part of that too.

Next week we’ll share some cover letter samples for dental receptionists.

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